what makes the noise of thunder

The noise of thunder is caused by the rapid expansion of the air surrounding the path of a lightning bolt. When lightning strikes, it heats the air to extremely high temperatures (around 27,000°C or 48,632°F). This sudden heating makes the air expand explosively, creating a rapid increase in pressure that compresses the surrounding air. As the heated air expands and then cools and contracts, it generates a shock wave, which we hear as the loud booming sound of thunder. The different sounds of thunder, such as rumbles or cracks, depend on factors like the distance from the lightning, the shape of the lightning bolt (straight or forked), and atmospheric conditions. The shock waves can also bounce off clouds, hills, or buildings, causing varied echoes and prolonged rumbling sounds. In summary, thunder is the sound produced by the shock wave from the sudden heating and explosive expansion of air caused by lightning.